Lotus Temple — Attraction in Delhi

Welcome to the official website of the Bahá’í House of Worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple located in New Delhi, India. Like eight Houses of Worship around the world, this magnificent structure stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. People of all racial, religious, national backgrounds, are welcomed to pray and meditate within its precincts. It is a collective centre of society to promote cordial affection where everyone is held in its embrace as equals. This edifice is dedicated to the one God, the Creator of all humanity and of the entire universe.

The Writings of the Bahá’í Faith maintain that God is unknowable in His Essence and throughout the ages, He has sent a succession of Divine Messengers, Avatars or Manifestations of God, to educate and guide humanity.

The House of Worship highlights the importance of prayer in the life of individuals and communities. It provides a space for expressing that desire to communicate with our Creator through prayer that is conceived as “the essential spiritual conversation of the soul with its Maker, direct and without intermediation”. It further underscores the significance of collective worship as a fundamental element of a pattern of community life that is spiritually and materially prosperous. Furthermore, devotional services at the House of Worship are universal in character, welcoming all to be uplifted through opening their hearts and minds to the Words of God.

While worship forms a key tenet of the House of Worship, service to humanity is considered an outward expression of the inner transformation that worship brings about. This service is expressed through deeds carried out in the spirit of service for the betterment of humanity; communal worship in homes, neighborhoods and villages; an educational process that builds the capacity of individuals to serve others; and, through a pattern of community life embodying the principle of the oneness of humanity. In this manner, a House of Worship is envisioned to become a centre for social, scientific, educational and humanitarian services, living up to its title of the “dawning-place of the mention of God”.

This Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to public worship in 1986, is the property of and is owned by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India.The prayer service consists of prayers and readings from different Holy Scriptures. In order to maintain reverence during the prayer service, the exit door of the prayer hall will remain closed until the prayer service is over. The duration of each prayer service is 10-15 minutes.To maintain the capacity and for the safety of the visitors, the prayer hall shall remain closed when overcrowded ( on Sundays or other public holidays) or on account of heavy rain.The Bahá’í House of Worship is located in the neighborhood of Bahapur in Kalkaji, South Delhi. The DDA parking facility opposite the main gate is available for use. One can reach here by the following means.One can also take the Metro from New Delhi Railway Station by boarding the Yellow line towards Central Secretariat, change to Violet line, disembark at Kalkaji metro station, walk about 500 m and arrive at the Bahá’í House of Worship – Lotus Temple, Bahapur, Kalkaji.Modest dress code is suggested.Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and reaches your knees.Wearing of shoes is not permitted in the prayer hall. Shoes can be deposited in the shoe room.The Bahá’í House of Worship was opened to the public in December 1986. Since then thousands visit the House of Worship every day. While the visitors enjoy the peace and the serene environment that lends itself well to meditation, many inquire as to the source that has inspired such a place of worship. As a result the Information Centre was designed for those who wish to know more about the Bahá’í House of Worship and the Bahá’í Faith.The Information Centre is built to state-of-the-art specifications and it provides information on different facets of the Bahá’í Faith in the form of photo panels, written text and films. The centr

The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship that is renowned for its striking architectural design, symbolizing the spiritual unity of mankind. The temple is shaped like a lotus flower, which is a symbol of peace, purity, love, and immortality in many cultures, particularly in Indian religions. Below are detailed aspects of the Lotus Temple:

1. Historical Background

Inception: The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986 and is one of the most recent Bahá'í temples in the world. It was designed by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, who drew inspiration from the lotus, a symbol revered in various Indian traditions.

Bahá'í Faith: The temple is dedicated to the Bahá'í Faith, a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh in Persia. The core principles of the Bahá'í Faith include the oneness of humanity, universal peace, and the unity of all religions. The Bahá'í Houses of Worship, like the Lotus Temple, are open to people of all faiths and serve as a place for prayer, meditation, and reflection.

2. Architectural Design

Lotus Shape: The design of the temple is inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty. The structure consists of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, creating the shape of a half-open lotus.

Nine Entrances: The temple has nine doors that open into a central prayer hall, symbolizing the unity of all paths leading to the divine. The number nine is significant in the Bahá'í Faith as it represents completeness and unity.

Interior Hall: The central hall of the temple can accommodate about 2,500 people. The hall is simple and unadorned, with no idols, altars, or images, reflecting the Bahá'í principle of worshipping one God without intermediaries.

Materials: The temple is constructed primarily from white marble sourced from Greece, similar to the material used in other Bahá'í temples around the world. The marble enhances the purity and serenity of the structure.

Natural Light and Ventilation: The design ingeniously incorporates natural light. The petals of the lotus are designed in such a way that daylight filters through, illuminating the prayer hall with a soft, peaceful glow. The temple also relies on natural ventilation, with its open structure allowing air to flow through the building, providing a cool and serene environment.

3. Symbolism of the Lotus

Universal Symbolism: The lotus is revered in various religious and spiritual traditions in India and around the world. It symbolizes purity, beauty, spirituality, and peace, rising unsullied from muddy waters. This universal symbol was chosen to represent the Bahá'í principle of the oneness of humanity and the unity of religions.

Interfaith Harmony: The lotus is particularly fitting for India, where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism all hold the flower in high regard. The Bahá'í Faith embraces the idea that all religions come from the same divine source, and the lotus reflects this harmony.

4. Bahá'í Teachings and Principles

Oneness of Religion and Humanity: The Bahá'í Faith teaches that all religions are essentially united and that their core message is the same—one of love, peace, and unity. The Lotus Temple, with its openness to people of all faiths, is a living representation of this belief.

No Rituals or Sermons: The Bahá'í Houses of Worship, including the Lotus Temple, do not have any rituals, clergy, or sermons. Anyone can come in to meditate or pray silently, regardless of their religious background. The temple hosts readings from the Bahá'í scriptures and other religious texts, but there are no set rituals.

Interfaith Services: In line with Bahá'í teachings, the Lotus Temple holds interfaith services where sacred texts from various religions, including the Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Quran, and others, are read without commentary.

5. Gardens and Surroundings

Landscaping: The Lotus Temple is surrounded by lush green gardens, which enhance its serene atmosphere. The gardens have pathways for visitors to walk around and enjoy.

Overview The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, is a Baháʼí House of Worship. Renowned for its stunning and unique architectural design, which resembles a lotus flower, it is one of the most visited and celebrated modern structures in India. The temple is a symbol of unity and peace, welcoming people of all faiths to come and worship or meditate in a serene and tranquil environment. Architectural Significance The temple's design is the brainchild of Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba. The building is a remarkable feat of engineering and biomimicry, inspired by the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty in many Indian religions.

• Structure: The temple is composed of 27 free-standing, marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. This nine-sided circular design is a key requirement for all Baháʼí Houses of Worship, symbolizing the unity of all religions.
• Materials: The exterior is built from immaculate white marble from Greece, giving it an ethereal glow, especially at sunrise and sunset.
• Acoustics and Light: The open structure and the design of the petals allow for natural ventilation and light to filter into the central prayer hall. This creates a peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere without the need for air conditioning.
• Surroundings: The temple is surrounded by nine reflecting pools and beautifully landscaped gardens, which enhance the visual effect of a lotus flower floating on water. Philosophy and Purpose Unlike traditional temples that may be dedicated to a specific deity, the Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship. The Baháʼí Faith teaches the oneness of God, the unity of religions, and the unity of humanity.
• Open to All: A central tenet of the Baháʼí Faith is its universal inclusivity. The temple is open to all visitors, regardless of their religion, gender, or background. There are no idols or religious icons inside, making it a space for silent prayer and meditation for people of any faith.
• Meditation and Worship: Visitors are expected to maintain silence inside the temple, making it a place of quiet reflection and spiritual solace, a stark contrast to the busy city life outside. Visitor Experience and Review The Lotus Temple consistently receives high praise from visitors for its unique beauty and peaceful ambiance.
• Atmosphere: The atmosphere is often described as serene, calming, and spiritually uplifting. Many visitors find it a perfect place to escape the noise and chaos of Delhi.
• Cleanliness: The entire complex, including the gardens and pathways, is exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
• Accessibility: Entry to the temple is free, and it is easily accessible by the Delhi Metro (the nearest station is Kalkaji Mandir). It's a popular tourist spot, so visitors should be prepared for queues, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Things to Note: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main prayer hall. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple, and bags are typically checked for security. It's best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. In summary, the Lotus Temple is more than a simple architectural marvel; it's a living symbol of harmony and unity. It offers a unique and profound experience for anyone seeking a moment of peace and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of faith and architecture.